Multiple Micronutrients, Lutein, and Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation during Lactation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Breastfed infants require an adequate supply of critical nutrients for growth, tissue functions, and health. Recommended intakes for several nutrients are considerably higher in lactating than non-lactating women but are not always met with habitual diets. We report a randomized, double-blind clinical trial in 70 healthy lactating women in Germany evaluating the effects of supplementation with multiple micronutrients, lutein, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to placebo on maternal nutrient status and milk composition. The primary endpoint was the effect on the change of human milk DHA content (as a proportion of total milk fatty acids) during 12 weeks of supplementation. Maternal blood and milk biomarkers were measured as secondary endpoints. Supplementation increased maternal milk DHA by 30% compared to a decline in the placebo group. Supplementation also increased maternal blood DHA (17%), eicosapentaenoic acid (4%), 25-OH-vitamin D (24%), vitamin B12 (12%), lutein (4%), and beta carotene (49%), while homocysteine decreased. No significant difference in the number of adverse events was observed between supplementation and placebo groups. In conclusion, multi-micronutrient supplementation was safe and increased maternal blood and milk concentrations of selected nutrients in healthy women.

Study confirms the effect of a supplement on the micronutrient content of breast milk

“…Although the study was performed in a country with a high standard of living, the dietary intake of macro-and micronutrients was often inadequate. The study authors emphasise that supplementation preserves DHA levels in breast milk and state that this may lead to clinical benefits for the infant [3]. However, the present study did not investigate such possible clinical benefits.…”

“…The recommended intake for crucial nutrients, for example iodine, is considerably higher in lactating than in nonlactating women [2,3]. Even in countries with a high standard of living, multiple micronutrient deficiencies are widespread [3].…”

“…The recommended intake for crucial nutrients, for example iodine, is considerably higher in lactating than in nonlactating women [2,3]. Even in countries with a high standard of living, multiple micronutrient deficiencies are widespread [3]. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in Germany on the effects of supplementation with a combination of several micronutrients plus DHA and lutein (hereinafter referred to as Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation, MMS) during lactation [3].…”

Docosahexaenoic Acid as the Bidirectional Biomarker of Dietary and Metabolic Risk Patterns in Chinese Children: A Comparison with Plasma and Erythrocyte

“…The evaluation of DHA status has been widely focused on because of application of n -3 FA supplementation in functional food [ 37 ] and the management and treatment of diseases [ 38 , 39 ]. In this study, we observed a significant positive correlation between plasma and erythrocyte DHA.…”

Early Pediatric Benefit of Lutein for Maturing Eyes and Brain—An Overview

“…Twelve weeks supplementation of breastfeeding mothers with a multiple micronutrient supplement containing very low amounts of lutein (250 ug/day) vs. placebo was found to to prevent the decline in maternal plasma of lutein concentrations. Furthermore, while a decrease in lutein levels in breast milk during lactation was observed in mothers supplemented with placebo, no decrease was observed in the group receiving low dose lutein [ 116 ].…”